President Kiir Should Fire All His Presidential Advisors

Reflection on President Kiir’s Instructions to Arrest those alleged to have burnt the National Flag in Wau during protest

By Nyan Nyiir

I am not sure if it is my President that is losing his mind or I am the one who is losing mine. Surely, I do think there is nothing utterly wrong with the National Flag being burnt by Wau protestors? I personally, do not endorse the act, but I think the torching of the National Flag should be the least of things on President Kiir’s agenda. For a person to burn their own National Flag, something that defines them, that’s a clear sign of complete frustration.

It signifies that one must have felt very unpatriotic with the on-going unaddressed problems in Wau and elsewhere in the country. In spite of all the present predicaments, the government is busy polishing its own image instead of working to gain the trust of the citizens so that they may be able to embrace their country, their National Flag, and above all look up to their country leaders with respect and dignity.

If I were Kiir, I would request a peaceful mediation with the flag burners and other outraged protestors who acted out of utter frustration and disillusionment. Perhaps it may be even more beneficial if I meet with Wau Elders and see what could really be the root cause of flag burners’ behaviors and gauge out what ideas the Elders have.

The national government could work together with local residents to prevent such acts of violence from happening again. Arresting the alleged Flag burners and punishing them is not the best solution. If anything, it’s like adding fuel to a burning fire, which will only create more flames.

You know Mr. President, for an individual to burn their own National Flag is another way of saying that they are fed up and not happy with the way things are going in the country. It’s like saying I /we feel oppressed in our own land; some may even feel it was better being under the Khartoum regime. Sometimes some people contemplate that exile is the best way out of South Sudan, instead of feeling like we are under some kind of communist regime where the citizens are totally hopeless about the future of the country.

I do not want to sound discouraging or put some negative ideas on some people minds but I think, my President, you need to rethink your random policies and decision because they are hurting your credibility and worst of all holding us back from moving forward.

Because an unhappy nation is no nation at all, there is a need for better assessments to be made. You, I and we all, love this land so much to just let it run like the Nile River! God bless our precious land and help our leaders make better decisions. United we stand divided we fall!

You can reach the author through her email address: Nyan Nyiir <nyannyiir@yahoo.com>

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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